Self-Emulsifying Growth Regulator Concentrate for Storage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing growth regulators, such as prohexadione and gibberellic acid, are unstable and scarcely soluble in water, leading to storage instability and limited flexibility in agricultural applications, particularly when subjected to cold/warm cycling and requiring fixed combinations with other actives.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispersion comprising insoluble or unstable growth regulators in vegetable oil with a particle size of 1-7 μm, stabilized by an emulsifier, which is self-emulsifying in water, allowing high concentrations up to 30 wt% and maintaining stability during temperature cycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If growth regulators are supplied as water-based concentrates, then ease of application and mixing is improved, but storage stability deteriorates due to hydrolytic instability and low solubility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (solvent or dispersant) that mediates between the water-based application requirement and the stability requirement. The concentrate uses a water-miscible solvent or dispersant system that allows the growth regulator to remain stable during storage while still being easily mixable with water during application. This intermediary medium resolves the contradiction by providing a stable storage environment that transitions smoothly to water-based application.
2Productivity
If growth regulators are supplied as highly concentrated formulations, then productivity and reduction of packaging needs is improved, but solubility and mixing uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the concentration levels and composition ratios of the growth regulator, solvent, and dispersant components. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the formulation achieves high concentration (improving productivity) while maintaining complete solubility and uniform mixing (preserving manufacturing precision). The specific parameter optimization ensures that even at high concentrations, the concentrate remains homogeneous and easily mixable.
3Reliability
If fixed combinations of actives are used, then storage stability is improved, but adaptability to different crops and applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a concentrate formulation that can serve multiple functions and applications. The concentrate is designed to be adaptable to different crops and application scenarios while maintaining storage stability. This is achieved through a flexible formulation approach that allows the same stable concentrate to be effectively used across various agricultural contexts, eliminating the need for fixed combinations limited to specific applications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The dispersion provides stable, high-concentration formulations of growth regulators, enabling flexible use on various crops with improved storage stability and efficient plant uptake, reducing waste and packaging needs.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid dispersion comprising: at least one growth regulator which has a solubility in vegetable oil of about 0.1 wt % or less; an organic hydrophobic carrier; wherein the at least one growth regulator is insoluble or unstable in water, and is present in the liquid dispersion in an amount exceeding about 0.1 wt %
Implementation Method 2
A liquid dispersion comprising: at least one growth regulator which has a solubility in vegetable oil of about 0.1 wt % or less; an organic hydrophobic carrier; wherein the at least one growth regulator is insoluble or unstable in water, and is present in the liquid dispersion in an amount exceeding about 0.1 wt %
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a liquid dispersion comprising (i) at least one growth regulator which has a solubility in vegetable oil of about 0.1 wt % or less; (ii) an organic hydrophobic carrier, preferably a vegetable oil, hydrocarbon oil or paraffin oil, or a derivative thereof; wherein the at least one growth regulator which is insoluble or unstable in water, is present in the liquid dispersion in an amount exceeding 0.1 wt %; and wherein more than 90% of the particles of said growth regulator has a particle size of between 1-7 μm; wherein the dispersion further comprises (iii) an emulsifier which stabilizes the dispersion in the organic carrier, and which causes the concentrate to be water miscible and self-emulsifying when diluted in water in a suitable dilution, such as for example a 1:50 dilution or higher dilution; wherein the dispersion is essentially water free.